GUIDANCE FOR CUT OUT WORKS

Transcription

1 GUIDANCE FOR CUT OUT WORKS 1. INTRODUCTION This module provides guidance for technicians / jointers who are working at the cut out position, replacing a cut-out fuse, cut out or service cable and notice potential risk with the cut out, meter tails, metering equipment or the customer s equipment. Fault Technicians and LV authorised Engineers can undertake a Polarity check, an Earth Loop Impedance test, fuse replacement, fuse carrier replacement, neutral / Earth cover replacement, replace meter cut out tails, replace top cover plates, insert blank plugs and locknuts and make safe with transparent shouding. All other activities must be carried out by a jointer. 2. SAFETY The work shall be carried out in accordance with Electricity North West Distribution Safety Rules. Only approved Insulated Tools shall be used. Only approved Shrouding shall be used. Approved PPE shall be worn. Face visor, coveralls, insulated gloves and protective footwear must be worn during this procedure. Use the approved fire extinguisher (2kG Powder) as per CPLV411 Section 2. This is the standard fire extinguisher kitted with the van. A point of work risk assessment shall be undertaken. Always refer to CP606 Procedure B7, G16 and G RESPONSIBILITY OR OWNERSHIP OF EQUIPMENT The drawing number 1 below gives the basic domestic layout of equipment and the boundaries of responsibility. This is based upon the Meter Operating Codes of Practice Agreement. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 1 of 18

2 Drawing Number 1 Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 2 of 18

3 4. REPORTING SAFETY CONCERNS If a craftsperson during preliminary works or whilst carrying out a cut-out change notices potential risk or danger to any metering or customer equipment, the danger shall be made safe and reported in accordance with the guidelines detailed in the relevant work activity section below. 5. PRELIMINARY WORK During the preliminary works visually examine the service position. Ensure workplace is safe. Look and smell for signs of Burning. Overheating. Damage. Interference. Water damage / Leaking water. Loose floor boards/ Safe to stand on / Damaging cable. Fused Neutrals. Asbestos. Where the item is considered dangerous the supply shall be switched off immediately. 6. OWNERSHIP AND RESPONCIBILITY OF REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY EQUIPMENT Use the drawing and notes (section 2) above to establish the ownership and responsibility of the identified faulty or damaged equipment. Take a picture of the faulty or damaged equipment. If the faulty equipment is the meter, meter tails or time switch, the Meter Operator shall be contacted immediately. The MOP is employed by the Customer`s Electricity Supplier. Request the customer to immediately contact the supplier (named on the electricity bill) to arrange the urgent works. If the faulty equipment is the consumer unit or consumer tails, the customer shall be made aware of this immediately. The customer must employ a qualified Electrician to carry out the remedial works on the customers behalf. When the supply cannot be reconnected for a safety reason, a double pole 100 amp isolator shall be installed to enable the customer s qualified electrician to reconnect the supply. The outside viewing cabinet is regarded as part of the fabric of the building and therefore it is the responsibility of the customer to replace broken doors etc. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 3 of 18

4 7. INTERFERENCE If any equipment shows any signs of interference: Contact your supervisor and Electricity North West revenue protection section immediately for advice / agree the appropriate action. Take some pictures of before and after works (cut out and meter clearly showing meter reading and meter serial number) Complete your works safely (if appropriate action) Leave the fuse out of the cut out carrier and seal Inform the customer to contact the Supplier / Meter Operator (may need to change the meter for safety) Make the work area safe Contact revenue protection on (advise and follow up action) with name, address and contact details of the customer, meter number and reading. Complete Meter Security Report. (Appendix B). The photographs shall be forwarded to revenueprotection@enwl.co.uk. 8. HIGH RISK OR DANGER No installation shall be left in an unsafe manner. Disconnect the supply if necessary. Any exposed live parts shall be effectively insulated using the approved insulating shrouding materials. Any open cut out terminal knockouts previously taken by a cable (now redundant) shall have a terminal blanking plug installed to prevent access to live copper work / terminals. Approved insulating shrouding may be used to make safe / cover minor damages until the apparatus is replaced within the nominal timescales. For example: cracked meter glass, make the installation safe and report to the customer/supplier/meter Operator. If the damaged or dangerous equipment is owned by the consumer, the craftsperson shall issue the customer with a completed defect form, detailing the item of concern. (See Notice of deviations or defects below which is also in Appendix B of CP606 procedure G20) 8.1 Make safe approved equipment The craftsperson shall evaluate the condition of the equipment. The evaluation will determine the necessary action to either make safe or replace the item of equipment Only the approved shrouding equipment for making the consumer safe shall be used to repair a cut out Insulated Terminal Plug Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 4 of 18

5 Picture 1 Henley Insulated Terminal Plug An insulated plug (Henley) pictured above shall be used to fill open / empty redundant cut out terminals. To install: unscrew the empty cut out terminal screws. Insert the insulated plug. Tighten the screws to secure the plug in position. Ensure that all the opening is now completely covered. Note that the plug is designed for a new style cut out and older design cut out terminals may not be suitable for this plug. If the gap / hole cannot be completely filled by an approved terminal plug a cut out change will be required Replacement Top Entry Plates Picture Number 2 above showing a metal BI Calendar / BICC cut out with a replacement cable entry top plate. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 5 of 18

6 Replacement terminal cover plates shall be used for meter tail entry into cut outs to offer a complete enclosure. The plate holes need to be marked and drilled correctly to suit the cable entry / terminal position. (This will differ for various manufacturers / types of cut out) A stepped drill or pilot drills will be required to prevent cracking the replacement cover. Picture number 3 above.plastic BI Calendar Cut Out above with replacement blank plate A Blank Plug and Locknut A blanking plug and locknut shall be used to cover any holes in cut outs where the cut out was previously coupled to other metal enclosures for example an isolator. The holes are normally 25mm or 1 inch in diameter. The blanking plug shall be installed with the blank face on the outside with the locknut on the inside of the cut out. A terminal insulating shroud shall be inserted in to the cut out fuse carrier live terminal. The blank nut inserted in to the hole and lock nut positioned over the hole. The nut turned to start the thread and lock nut shall be tightened using the insulated adjustable spanners. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 6 of 18

7 Picture number 4 above indicating a 25mm hole left by the removal of an isolator. Picture number 5 above with the blanking plug and locknut installed. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 7 of 18

8 Picture number 6 above showing the blanking plug and locknut with an interior view. 8.2 URGENT REPAIR WORKS Approved transparent shrouding shall be used to cover minor risks such as damaged or broken meter glass, minor damage / cracked apparatus to make the installation safe, until the programmed replacement works can be undertaken. Denso GPO putty can be used to fill holes in conjunction with the transparent shrouding. The transparent shrouding shall be secured using wood screws (with washers) and / or tie wraps (zip ties) to ensure a complete and secure insulating cover over the effected apparatus. Apply Danger tape along the shrouding. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 8 of 18

9 Picture 7 above showing blanking plugs used to seal cable entry holes Picture 8 above showing the transparent insulating shrouding covering the meter and cut out. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 9 of 18

10 8.3 APPROVED SHROUDING EQUIPMENT Only approved shrouding equipment shall be used to provide permanent and urgent works. Insulated transparent shrouding (commodity code ) Tie wraps (various sizes of plastic zip ties) GPO putty (commodity code ) Insulating terminal plugs (TBA) Danger Tape ( large roll and small roll) Biscuit tin cut out replacement plates; Metal cut out and Plastic cut out Blanking plug and locknut (TBA) 9. TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF DANGEROUS OR POTENTIAL DANGER 9.1 Vulcanised Indian Rubber Cut-Out Tails Picture 9 above shows Vulcanised Indian Rubber cut out tails. VIR insulated conductor cables deteriorate with age. They can crack leaving exposed conductors. It is recommended that these cables are changed even if they show no obvious signs of deterioration. The MOP shall be notified for cut-out tails and the customer for consumer tails. The supply can be connected if the VIR tails are safe / in good condition with the advisory notification of recommended change. If the tails are in a dangerous condition, the supply shall not be reconnected. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 10 of 18

11 The recommended size of meter tail and consumer tail is 25mm copper double insulated cable with an earth conductor of 16mm copper single insulated (Green and Yellow). The meter tails and customer s consumer tails shall be a minimum of 16mm copper or above double insulated copper conductor. If the consumer tails are less than 16mm the customer shall be notified. For 16mm copper conductor meter tails, the cut-out fuse shall be 80 amps maximum. The main equipotential bonding connection to any gas or water service should be 10mm copper conductor. (Single insulated Green and Yellow). The customer shall be notified if the conductor is less than 10mm. The supply can be reconnected with the notification of recommended change. 9.2 Mineral Insulated Copper Conductor (Pyro) Picture 10 above shows Mineral Insulated Copper Cable. MICC or Pyro can be bare copper sheathed or have a PVC outer sheath (normally orange). There are no Electricity North West approved techniques for working on any Live MI type of cable. Much of the MI cable was installed in the pre-metric period and there are now no accessories available to carry out repairs and modifications to these cables. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 11 of 18

12 Should the cables be damaged they shall be replaced. If the outer copper sheath is damaged, moisture will be absorbed by the white mineral powder and the cable will fault. Only competent crafts persons whom have been trained for this type of cable are permitted to carry out works. For works associated with Mineral Insulated Copper Cable (changing the cut out) the supply shall be made dead. It is extremely important not to disturb the pot. The conductors covered with neoprene insulation can be manipulated with care. Prove Polarity before and after taking care to clearly identify phase and neutral. 9.3 Insufficient Safe Working Space and Obstruction Refer to CP411 LV Section 2 and the Safety Rules for safe working. Picture 11 above. Where it is dangerous or not possible to work safely, take a picture and report to your supervisor. For minor obstructions that are possible to remove easily, speak to the customer and agree a safe method of removal. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 12 of 18

13 9.4 Overloading the Supply Capacity Picture 12 above. Where overloading the supply would pose a risk or danger, take a picture and report to your supervisor. 10. WORK ACTIVITIES WHICH AFFECT CUT OUT TAILS Electricity North West Ltd`s obligations end at the cut out and the company should not assume responsibility for resolving deficiencies on equipment beyond this point. There is an exception to this rule. Where work activities on the cut out creates an issue with the cut out tails (connection between the cut out and the meter) and this issue would not arise if the work was not taking place, then it is unreasonable for the Supplier / MOP/ Customer to suffer detriment as a consequence of Electricity North West Ltd`s actions. Under these circumstances Electricity North West Ltd would assume responsibility for resolving the issue. For example, where a cut out has been replaced and as a consequence, the existing cut out tails are now too short, then Electricity North West should remedy this situation by replacing (preferred) or extending the cut out tails. In order to replace the cut out tails it will be necessary to access the meter terminals. Access to the meter terminals of a Smart Meter may require special tools and the removal of the terminal cover will generate a tamper alarm. In these circumstances the cut out tails shall be extended by the use of suitable connection blocks and security seals applied. 11. Marking of Meter Tails Meter tails shall be clearly identified with the use of cable ties with phase (L) or neutral (N) markings. The cut out phase and neutral conductors have one zip tie and the consumer tails have two ties. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 13 of 18

14 Picture 13 above indicating MOCOPA recommendation for identification of meter tails with the use of brown L and blue N coloured cable ties. Single tie for incoming / live supply and two ties for the outgoing / consumer tails. Commodity codes: Brown cable tie L Brown cable tie L Brown cable tie L Blue cable tie N Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 14 of 18

15 APPENDIX A NOTICE OF DEVIATIONS OR DEFECTS CONNECTION/RECONNECTION OF THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY UNDER THE ELECTRICITY SAFETY, QUALITY & CONTINUITY REGULATIONS 2002 Customer s Address: Electricity North West telephone contact: Electricity North West Ref: Your installation has been connected/has not been connected* for safety reasons. 1. WHY WE ARE GIVING YOU THIS NOTICE: During our visit to your premises, which was made in order to test and confirm the polarity and/or the earth loop impedance at your electrical installation, the deviations or defects noted in Section 3 were identified. It must be understood that: a) The visit was made in compliance with the Electricity Safety, Quality & Continuity Regulations (ESQCR) 2002 only, and no detailed inspection or testing of your installation has been carried out other than an inspection of the earth bonding required under these Regulations. b) The information in this notice is provided to help you to maintain an adequate standard of safety but we incur no liability by informing you of this. c) Even if we have connected the supply to your installation. (i) You should still take the action shown in Section 2: (ii) No Warranty is implied that the installation is suitable for your purpose. (iii) We accept no responsibility for the loss or injury caused by or arising from any part of your installation. 2. ACTION YOU SHOULD TAKE a) If your installation has not been connected. (i) You must arrange for the items marked in Section 3 to be put right. (ii) Then contact Electricity North West at the above telephone number and arrange a re-inspection visit. b) If your installation has been connected. (i) Any deviations/defects listed below as urgent should be attended to immediately for safety reasons. Urgent deviations/defects ITEM NUMBER(s) Failure to correct these items can result in the disconnection of your supply. You are advised to have them and all other deviations/defects put right. Following completion of the corrective work you should contact Electricity North West at the above telephone number to arrange for a re-inspection visit. 3. DEVIATIONS OR DEFECTS* Item 1. Visible signs of danger Item 2. Your cables, which are connected to the meter are unsatisfactory Item 3. Your main earth connection to our earth is unsatisfactory. Item 4. Switchgear must be re-sited Item 5. Your main protective bonding conductors are unsatisfactory. Item 6. Your main protective bonding conductors are smaller than necessary to comply with current wiring regulations Remarks Inspector Date of inspection 4. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CERTIFICATE* Note: it must not be positioned on Electricity North West service mounting board. Note: It does not meet current or earlier regulations Note: Although this does not necessarily make your installation unsafe you are recommended to update your earth bonding If your installation is new or has been rewired or added to, your electrical contractor should have provided you with a certificate to show the work done complies with British Standard BS7671:2008,the 17 th edition of the IET Wiring Regulations. This certificate should be shown to Electricity North West. Installation certificate seen not seen not required 5. CHARGES First visit for connection/reconnection is free. Return visits following a deviation/defect notice are subject to a re-inspection fee. 6. GENERAL NOTES BS7671, the IET Wiring Regulations, recommends that electrical installations are periodically inspected for safety. *please tick boxes as applicable Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 15 of 18

16 Extract from The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002: Disconnection of supply, refusal to connect and resolution of disagreements (1) Where a connection to a distributor's network has been made, or is proposed, and the distributor is not satisfied that the consumer's installation or other distributor's network or street electrical fixture which is or would be connected to his network is or would be so constructed, installed, protected and used or arranged for use so as to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, danger or interference with his or any other distributor's network, or with the supply to any consumer's installation or street electrical fixture, he may issue a notice in writing to the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture (as the case may be) requiring remedial works to be carried out within such reasonable period as may be specified in the notice. (2) If the remedial works specified in the notice by the distributor are not carried out by the end of the period specified in the notice the distributor may disconnect or refuse to connect (as the case may be) the supply to the consumer's installation or other distributor's network or street electrical fixture, and in such an event the distributor shall by further notice in writing addressed to the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture (as the case may be) set out the reasons for the disconnection or refusal to connect. (3) A distributor may disconnect the supply to the consumer's installation or other distributor's network or street electrical fixture without giving notice as required by paragraph (1) if such disconnection can be justified on grounds of safety, but in such an event the distributor shall by notice in writing addressed to the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture (as the case may be) and served as soon as reasonably practicable after the disconnection, give the reasons for such disconnection and if applicable details of any remedial measures required to be taken by the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture. (4) The distributor shall connect or restore the supply when the stipulated remedial measures have been taken by the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture (as the case may be) to the reasonable satisfaction of the distributor, or if no remedial measures are required, as soon as is reasonably practicable after the grounds for disconnection have ceased to apply. (5) Any dispute between the distributor and the consumer or other distributor or owner of the street electrical fixture (as the case may be), over the disconnection of or refusal to connect the consumer's installation or other distributor's network or street electrical fixture which cannot be resolved between them, may be referred by any of them to the Secretary of State who shall appoint a suitably qualified person to determine the dispute and to order as he thinks fit whether the costs (or any part of them) associated with the determination should be borne by one or other of the parties. (6) Where a referral is made to the Secretary of State in accordance with paragraph (5) before the expiry of the notice period referred to in paragraph (1), the distributor shall not take any action pursuant to paragraph (2) until the determination of the dispute. (7) Following the determination by the person appointed by the Secretary of State, the distributor shall maintain, connect, restore or may disconnect the supply as appropriate, subject to any conditions which the person appointed by the Secretary of State may stipulate in his determination. (8) A copy of this regulation shall be endorsed upon or accompany every notice given by the distributor pursuant to this regulation. Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 16 of 18

17 APPENDIX B Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 17 of 18

18 Mod64.doc Issue 2 0 JPS CP411LV Page 18 of 18